Parros defends five-game Gudas suspension, highlights established safety process
NHL deputy George Parros defended the Department of Player Safety’s five-game ban on Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas for kneeing Auston Matthews, saying the league uses a consistent, experienced process and that the decision was based on the play, the injury (Matthews with a grade 3 MCL tear), and player history. The suspension came after a phone hearing (which can cap the penalty) rather than an in-person hearing, prompting criticism from Leafs officials and Matthews’ agent. Parros stressed openness to evolving the process through collaboration with GMs and the NHLPA.
